KitchenAid FGA Food Grinder Attachment User Manual

1. Overview

The KitchenAid FGA Food Grinder Attachment transforms your KitchenAid Stand Mixer into a versatile food grinder. It utilizes the mixer's motor power to efficiently process various ingredients. This attachment is ideal for grinding raw meats for burgers or meatloaf, combining ingredients for homemade salsa, grating hard cheeses, and making bread crumbs.

Figure 1: Assembled KitchenAid FGA Food Grinder Attachment.

2. Safety Information

• Always unplug the stand mixer before attaching, detaching, or cleaning the food grinder.
• Keep fingers and utensils away from moving parts during operation to prevent injury. Use only the provided food pusher.
• Ensure all parts are correctly assembled and securely fastened before operating the grinder.
• Do not attempt to grind bones or other hard, non-food items, as this can damage the attachment and mixer.
• Supervise children when the appliance is in use.

3. Package Contents

The KitchenAid FGA Food Grinder Attachment includes the following components:

• Grinder Housing (main body)
• Grinding Worm (auger)
• Grinding Knife (blade)
• Coarse Grinding Plate
• Fine Grinding Plate
• Retaining Ring (cap)
• Food Pusher (stomper)
• Wrench (for retaining ring)
• Food Tray (hopper)

Figure 2: Disassembled components of the Food Grinder Attachment.

4. Setup and Assembly

Follow these steps to correctly assemble and attach the food grinder to your KitchenAid Stand Mixer:

1. Prepare the Mixer: Ensure your KitchenAid Stand Mixer is unplugged. Remove the hub cover from the front of the mixer head.
2. Insert Grinder Housing: Insert the grinder housing into the attachment hub, ensuring the rectangular drive shaft on the grinder aligns with the rectangular opening in the hub.
3. Secure Housing: Tighten the thumbscrew on the side of the mixer's attachment hub to secure the grinder housing in place.
4. Insert Grinding Worm: Place the grinding worm (auger) into the grinder housing, narrow end first, until it seats properly.
5. Position Grinding Knife: Place the grinding knife onto the square shaft of the grinding worm, ensuring the sharp edges face outwards towards the grinding plate.
6. Select Grinding Plate: Choose either the coarse or fine grinding plate based on your desired texture. Align the notch on the plate with the tab on the grinder housing.
7. Attach Retaining Ring: Screw the retaining ring onto the front of the grinder housing until it is hand-tight. Use the provided wrench for a secure fit, but do not overtighten.
8. Place Food Tray: Position the food tray (hopper) on top of the grinder housing.

For a visual guide on assembly, please refer to the following video:

5. Operating Instructions

The KitchenAid FGA Food Grinder Attachment is designed for efficient food processing. Follow these guidelines for optimal performance:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Cut meat, cheese, or vegetables into small, manageable cubes (approximately 1-inch pieces) that fit easily into the food tray. For best results with meat, chill it in the freezer for 15-30 minutes until it is firm but not frozen solid.
2. Position Bowl: Place a bowl or container beneath the grinder's output to collect the processed food.
3. Start Mixer: Plug in your stand mixer. Turn the mixer to a low to medium speed (typically speed 4 is recommended for grinding).
4. Feed Ingredients: Place the prepared food into the food tray. Use the food pusher to gently guide the ingredients down into the grinder. Do not force food into the grinder, as this can strain the mixer and attachment.
5. Monitor Output: Observe the consistency of the ground food. If clogging occurs, turn off the mixer, unplug it, and clear any blockages before resuming.
6. Finish Grinding: Continue until all ingredients are processed. Once finished, turn off and unplug the mixer.

See the food grinder in action preparing salmon sliders:

6. Maintenance and Cleaning

Proper cleaning and maintenance will ensure the longevity and performance of your food grinder attachment:

1. Disassembly: Unplug the stand mixer. Remove the food tray, then unscrew the retaining ring. Carefully remove the grinding plate, grinding knife, and grinding worm from the housing. Finally, loosen the thumbscrew on the mixer hub and remove the grinder housing.
2. Cleaning: Most plastic parts of the attachment are dishwasher-safe. However, the metal grinding knife and plates should be hand-washed immediately after use with warm, soapy water to prevent corrosion and dulling. Use a brush to remove any food residue from the plates.
3. Drying: Thoroughly dry all parts before reassembly or storage. Metal parts are particularly susceptible to rust if not dried completely.
4. Storage: Store all components in a dry place.

7. Troubleshooting

• Food not grinding or slow grinding: Ensure ingredients are cut into small pieces and chilled. Do not overload the grinder or force food. Check that the grinding knife and plate are correctly installed.
• Attachment not fitting securely: Verify that the mixer's hub cover is fully removed and the grinder housing's drive shaft is properly aligned with the hub opening. Ensure the thumbscrew is tightened.
• Excessive noise or vibration: Turn off the mixer immediately. Check for any foreign objects or improperly assembled parts.

8. Specifications

• Model: FGA
• Brand: KitchenAid
• Color: White (as per product title)
• Product Dimensions: 4"L x 7"W x 7"H
• Item Weight: 1.17 pounds
• Fabric Type: Plastic, Stainless Steel

9. Warranty and Support

This KitchenAid FGA Food Grinder Attachment is covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase for specific terms and conditions. For further assistance or to explore other KitchenAid products, visit the KitchenAid Store.